Elegant French Quarter-style Venue for Weddings, Receptions, Parties, & More

OUR HISTORY

Historic Maison De Tours was built by Robert Benson in 1855 on the site of Greig's Hotel, which had been operated by William Greig from 1807 until his death in 1842. The building is located directly across from St. Martin De Tours Church Square in the historic district. The architecture features a part of the upper gallery, along with original wood railing. Benson was from Boston and is credited with the architecture of several buildings in St. Martinville including the rectory of St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, the Mother Church of the Acadians and Petite Paris Museum.

St. Martinville itself is rich in Acadian, Creole, African, and Native American culture. It has been home to the Attakapas Indians, Acadian people, African slaves, and French settlers. Located along the winding Bayou Teche (Snake River), St. Martinville became prosperous from the steamboat trade that traveled the Teche. It is the setting of Longfellow’s poem, Evangeline, the story of a betrothed couple, Evangeline and Gabriel, separated by the Acadian Exile. St. Martinville is the birthplace of Acadiana, the heart of Cajun Country.

St Martinville has also been known as Petite Paris or Little Paris by the wealthy Creoles and sugar cane planters of New Orleans who vacationed there in the summer. The nickname, Petit Paris dates from the era when St. Martinville was known as a cultural Mecca with good hotels and a French theater which featured the best operas and witty comedies.

Maison De Tours, the unique venue of choice, means House of Turns in French. It is our desire that it be your house on your special occasion, one rich in history and southern charm.

St. Martin de Tours Church, St. Michael's Cemetery and Bayou Tech

St. Martinville lies on Bayou Teche about 16 miles south of Breaux Bridge. St Martin De Tours Catholic Church is the 4th oldest church in Louisiana. Built in 1836 it is the 'mother church' of the Acadians.